BajaNomad

Guadalajara

mike odell - 2-19-2011 at 04:32 PM

Just back from another trip to Guad, great weather, This time over it
apeared that tourism is on the rise, Folks were very friendly and helpful
as in past trips. Took a side trip to Chapala, and Vicente Fernanadez
Ranch and Restaurant. Great stay at Casa de los flores B and B, a real
jewell. Any of ya going to Guad and need some info, I would be glad
to advise, as I have made the trip many times.

karmatourer - 2-19-2011 at 10:24 PM

Did you get to Ajijic? Love it there.

Marc - 2-22-2011 at 08:57 PM

Was there in 1951. Nice city. I would like to go back someday soon. Did you drive, or fly?

vandenberg - 2-23-2011 at 07:04 PM

Mike,
where do you stay in Guadalajara?
Last few times there we stayed at the Hotel Frances, downtown. Nothing fancy, but great location with a real old hotel feel to it. Mariachi on Friday nights. Not to conducive to sleeping.:biggrin: Ancient elevator with double slide gate doors. Friendly, helpful staff.
Most downtown sights within walking distance.

BajaBlanca - 2-23-2011 at 08:24 PM

please, all, tell us where to go and what to do in guad !!! we shalll be there soon for our very first time and need all the tips we can get :))))))))))

is the mariachi music only of friddays ??? price of st frances ??

price of the b & b ???

what is in ajijic ????

vandenberg - 2-23-2011 at 08:46 PM

Try this:

http://www.allmexicohotels.com/hotel/frances-guadalajara/inf...

Cathedral, several musea, Mariachi square, famous open air market, many restaurants and bars, all within walking distance. Tonala, Tlaquepaque and Tequila not far away.
And within a days drive, don't miss Guanejuato, San Miguel and Dolores Hidalgo.

[Edited on 2-24-2011 by vandenberg]

[Edited on 2-24-2011 by vandenberg]

mike odell - 2-24-2011 at 10:16 AM

A little more info on Guadalajara, for those interested:
I flew over from Cabo, direct to Guad, last time on the
new Viva Aerobus for about 1800 pesos round trip,
no frills, but a short trip. I like Interjet better for a few
pesos more. I have always taxied around the city,
and the burbs, as most of the places
I like to go are off the main hwys and byways usually.
The centro area is great to see though, the Cathedrals,
Historic sites, and the mansions from the past are a
serious photo op. Libertad market in centro is great
for people watching, try the food court, yum!
I like to stay in Talquepaque, quieter than downtown,
easy walking, and close by is Tonala, great for shopping

for everything you can imagine. If you can't find what
your looking for in the Guad and surroundings it doesn't
exist, or you don't need it!
As Vandenburg mentioned, those cities as a must see,
and about 5 to 6 hours by express bus from Guad.
Highly recomend Guanejuato.
I have a couple of taxistas that I rent by the hour or day
for about 120 pesos hourly, these fellas know where to find
stuff, and take great care of ya!

torta ahogada !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mtgoat666 - 2-24-2011 at 10:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
please, all, tell us where to go and what to do in guad !!! we shalll be there soon for our very first time and need all the tips we can get :))))))))))


great food in guadalajara, much better fare than baja. love the torta ahogada places, can't remember the names/locations of 'em, but there are a couple that are out of this world great food.

downtown and museum area is great.

near guadalajara there is an old colonial village with galleries, can't remember name, but is nice place to shop and spend your cash on artsy nick nacks.

it is a great walking city, so go in winter when weather is cool. if weather is hot, not too fun walking and sweating. avoid in summer.

tripledigitken - 2-24-2011 at 12:05 PM

Another vote for the Hotel Francis. We stayed there a number of times.

mike odell - 2-24-2011 at 04:22 PM

Leetle bit more Guad info;
Goat, Ahogada tortas are some of the finest street cart grazing in the
world! Damn, now I gotta plan another trip! Cheap eats, and they are
everywhere. Mocahetes are wonderful fare also. Ajijic near Chapala is
a great walkabout, even with all the retirees! Lots of walkers, med clinics
dental offices, assisted living centers, Colonial old part is great, guess
someday we'll all be in the same boat. Masametla [sp] around the lake
and up the mountain ,colonial old town with burros packin firewood,
log cabins, rock fireplaces, pine forests, spectacular views.
Chapala malicon venders sell great regional candies, wish I had bought
more! Ate em all, already.
Visited one old temple in Guad that I had not seen before, the name
slips me, but it's Gothic with flying buttresses and huge spires with
amazing stained glass work, wood work, beautiful workmanship.
If you get to Talquepaque, I think a late afternoon spent at El Patio
restaurant listening to the 8 girl mariachi's should be a must. 3 of
the girls are my future ex wives, they just don't know it yet!


Be sure to drop a couple pesos in the blind ladies cup outside, and a
bit up the street, she has a great voice and it'll bring ya good karma.
She is not hard to find, just look for the 2 guys playing the 12 ft long
wooden zylaphone!

Bajahowodd - 2-24-2011 at 05:25 PM

Wonderful place. The father of a good friend of ours teaches medicine at the university there. A couple of times, when we scheduled a week to ten days there, we found ourselves jonesing for the Sea of Cortez. Only a few hours drive down to PV, or Manzanillo.

BajaBlanca - 2-24-2011 at 06:31 PM

wow...great info ...thanx all !!!